Russia's freight industry embraces tech and formalisation amid shifting demand

The freight and logistics industry is undergoing significant changes. Companies are adopting new technologies and formalised processes to improve efficiency. Demand trends are also shifting across key Russian regions. Freight demand has risen year-on-year in several areas, including Moscow Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Volgograd Oblast, and Tatarstan. At the same time, the national decline in demand slowed from 25.7% in April 2025 to 5.8% in May 2025.

The sector is moving towards greater formalisation. Electronic waybills are now essential, and registries for freight forwarders and carriers are being introduced. Documentation and data exchange rules are evolving to support this shift.

Automation is playing a growing role in daily operations. Many logistics firms are testing generative AI to streamline repetitive tasks, reducing manual labour and speeding up information processing. The main challenge remains implementing AI with clear, measurable outcomes.

Customer preferences are also changing how carriers are selected. On platforms like Avito, 52% of business clients and 47% of private customers choose freight services. Ratings and reviews matter to 27% of respondents, while 26% prioritise responsiveness and speed. The market is also shifting from manual search methods to tools that manage multiple shipments at once. The logistics industry is embracing technology and structured processes to meet modern demands. Electronic documentation, AI integration, and evolving customer habits are shaping its future. These changes aim to improve efficiency and adapt to fluctuating demand patterns.